While specific large-scale studies on Asian transgender women's smoking habits are limited, stock imagery and niche cultural depictions sometimes feature Thai transgender women (often referred to as kathoey ) in various social settings, including smoking. Within LGBTQ+ subcultures in Asia, smoking can sometimes be a social lubricant in nightlife and community spaces where individuals feel more comfortable expressing themselves away from mainstream societal judgment.
For some young women, smoking is viewed as a mark of independence or a "quiet rebellion" against traditional gender roles. asain tgirls smoking
Studies in populations like Hong Kong and Taiwan suggest women may use smoking as a coping strategy for stress and negative emotions. asain tgirls smoking